Enviro News Asia, jakarta — The Indonesian government is accelerating the development of a Waste-to-Energy (PSEL) facility in North Sulawesi, positioning it as a strategic initiative to transform the country’s waste management system into a technology-based and energy-generating model.
Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stated that the PSEL project represents a fundamental shift in how waste is managed, emphasizing that waste should be treated as a valuable resource for energy production rather than merely a disposal problem.
The project will adopt a regional agglomeration approach known as Manado Raya, involving multiple local governments including Manado, Bitung, Tomohon, Minahasa, and North Minahasa. This scheme is designed to ensure a stable supply of waste feedstock and support the long-term sustainability of the facility.
Hanif highlighted that the success of the project will depend heavily on the readiness of local governments, particularly in ensuring consistent waste supply, establishing reliable transportation systems, and maintaining waste quality in accordance with PSEL technology requirements. Institutional readiness, regulatory support, and clear financing schemes were also identified as critical factors.
Governor of North Sulawesi Yulius Selvanus expressed strong support for the initiative, reaffirming the region’s commitment to turning waste into a beneficial resource and eliminating its negative impacts on communities.
The signing of the agreement marks an initial step toward the project’s implementation, which will be followed by a more detailed cooperation agreement outlining roles, operational mechanisms, and funding arrangements. The Ministry of Environment will continue to provide policy facilitation and technical assistance to accelerate project realization.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment by both central and regional governments to establish a modern, integrated, and sustainable waste management system, in line with national directives to improve environmental sustainability. (*)
